AN OLYMPIC relay with a difference is being held to mark the 1,000 days to the 2012 Games in Weymouth and Portland.

Team Dorset wants a countdown of 1,000 facts in the run-up to the sailing events – one for every day from October 31 onwards.

Now it has called for people to submit their own interesting facts and snippets about the county.

Simon Raynes, who is vice chairman of the Olympic Legacy Committee, Dorset Strategic Partnership, said: “Dorset people seem to be shy when saying what makes them great.

“This is a tremendous way for us to find out things which demonstrate the versatility and talent present in our county.

“I cannot wait to see these facts emerge as the countdown to the event continues.”

The 1,000 days countdown – which begins on October 31 – will feature a build up of celebrations to mark Dorset’s involvement as the host for sailing events.

A fact will be displayed on the Team Dorset website and other leading sites each day until the start of the Games in July 2012.

Historian and author Stuart Morris, from Portland, said: “I am sure people will be able to find 1,000 facts about Dorset.

“It should be interesting to see what people come up with. Dorset is a place of contrasts. Every town and village has its own story and every story is different. They are all fascinating.”

The facts are being arranged in five categories. They are heritage and culture, food, sport, people and business. Team Dorset is asking people to keep the facts short and brief.

To submit ‘fascinating facts about Dorset’, click on to teamdorset.org.uk and follow the links from the top page menu. A printed copy of the form can be picked up from the main reception of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.